Canesten Thrush External Cream

Canesten Thrush External Cream (clotrimazole 2% w/w) — fast relief for the external itching and burning of vaginal thrush.

  • Double-strength 2% clotrimazole antifungal cream
  • Soothes external itching, burning and soreness
  • Use alongside an internal treatment to clear the infection fully
  • Also suitable for partners (candidal balanitis)
  • Pharmacy medicine — short suitability check, discreet delivery

£14.99

Canesten Thrush External Cream

Canesten Thrush External Cream contains clotrimazole 2% w/w, an antifungal that quickly soothes the external itching, burning and soreness of vaginal thrush. It is a pharmacy (P) medicine, available without prescription after a few short suitability questions.

What is Canesten Thrush External Cream?

This is the double-strength (2%) clotrimazole cream from Canesten, designed specifically for the external symptoms of thrush (candidal vulvitis). Clotrimazole is an azole antifungal that kills the Candida yeast responsible for thrush. The cream contains no tea tree oil or other botanical ingredients — clotrimazole is the single active ingredient.

What is it used for?

  • Relieving the external itching, burning, redness and soreness of vaginal thrush
  • Alongside an internal thrush treatment (pessary, internal cream or oral capsule) that clears the infection inside the vagina
  • Treating the tip of a partner’s penis (candidal balanitis) to relieve symptoms and help prevent re-infection

Important: the external cream soothes external symptoms but does not treat the infection inside the vagina. For full treatment of vaginal thrush, combine it with an internal treatment such as a clotrimazole pessary, internal cream or fluconazole capsule.

How to use Canesten Thrush External Cream

  • Wash your hands, then apply a thin layer to the affected external area 2 to 3 times a day and rub in gently.
  • Continue until symptoms have cleared.
  • If symptoms have not improved within 7 days, speak to your doctor.
  • If you are under 16 or over 60, get medical advice before using it.

How long does it take to work?

Most women feel the external itching and burning start to ease within a day or two of starting the cream, with symptoms settling over the following days as the antifungal takes effect. Remember the underlying vaginal infection needs an internal treatment — if external symptoms persist beyond 7 days, see your doctor.

Side effects

Canesten external cream is well tolerated. Some women notice mild, short-lived burning, stinging or irritation where the cream is applied. Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop a rash or signs of an allergic reaction.

Who should check with a doctor first?

  • Anyone allergic to clotrimazole or any of the cream’s ingredients (it contains cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions).
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding — thrush treatment in pregnancy should be guided by your doctor or midwife.
  • Anyone with their first episode of thrush, more than two infections in six months, abnormal bleeding, or blisters/ulcers — see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

Note: the cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms and make them less effective. Use alternative precautions during treatment and for up to 5 days afterwards.

Buy Canesten Thrush External Cream online

Order from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. As a pharmacy medicine, you’ll answer a short suitability questionnaire before checkout, and a pharmacist checks every order before it ships in plain, discreet packaging.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Canesten Thrush Cream FAQs

Does Canesten external cream cure thrush?
It relieves the external symptoms — itching, burning and soreness — but it does not clear the infection inside the vagina. For complete treatment, use it alongside an internal treatment such as a clotrimazole pessary, internal cream or a fluconazole capsule.
How long does Canesten thrush cream take to work?
Most women feel the external itching and burning begin to ease within a day or two, with symptoms settling over several days. If there is no improvement within 7 days, see your doctor.
How often should I apply Canesten thrush cream?
Apply a thin layer to the affected external area 2 to 3 times a day and rub in gently. Keep using it until your symptoms have cleared.
Can men use Canesten Thrush External Cream?
Yes. It can be used to treat the tip of the penis (candidal balanitis), and treating a sexual partner also helps prevent passing the infection back and forth. Apply 2 to 3 times daily for up to two weeks.
Can I use Canesten thrush cream during my period?
Yes — the external cream can be used at any time of the month. If you also need an internal treatment, many women prefer to wait until their period has finished, or use an oral capsule instead.
Can I use Canesten thrush cream when pregnant?
Speak to your doctor or midwife before treating thrush in pregnancy. Clotrimazole is commonly used in pregnancy, but the right treatment and diagnosis should be confirmed first.
Does Canesten cream affect condoms?
Yes. The cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, reducing their effectiveness. Use alternative precautions during treatment and for at least 5 days after.
Why does Canesten cream sting when I apply it?
A mild, brief burning or stinging can happen when the cream goes onto already-inflamed skin, and usually settles quickly. If stinging is severe or you develop a rash, stop using it and get medical advice.

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